The 5 Best SUVs For Exploring The Australian Outback

The 5 Best SUVs For Exploring The Australian Outback Looking for the perfect vehicle to drive on your next Outback adventure with the family? We’ve got you covered in our list of the five Best SUVs for exploring the Australian Outback.
The word “Outback” is used to describe the thinly populated regions of Australia. The Outback covers the area near Uluru/Ayers Rock and Alice Springs (commonly referred to as the “red center”), spanning several thousands of kilometers from north to south and east to west.
Since temperatures in the central deserts can go as high as 120F or 50°C on the hottest summer days, and drop to as low as 15°F (-10°C) on the coldest winter nights, you need a 4×4 vehicle that is tough enough to survive the extreme challenges in the Australian desert.
Here are five of the best SUVs that will allow you to enjoy the stunning scenery, colored sands, and glorious rocks and gorges that only the Australian Outback has to offer.
1. Ford Everest
The Ford Everest is equipped with a unique Torque-On-Demand system. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
First up is the brand spanking new Ford Everest. This SUV is powered by a 3.2-liter five-cylinder Duratorq diesel motor that churns out 192 horsepower and 347 lb-ft. of torque. It is equipped with seating for five or seven adults with a maximum payload of 757kg (1,668 lbs.), a maximum roof load of 100kg (220 lbs.), and a towing capability of up to 3000kg (6,613 lbs.).
The Ford Everest is also equipped with a Torque-On-Demand system that can automatically transfer torque between the front and rear wheels with the most grip, so you won’t find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere when traversing over adverse terrain. This system can even send all the engine torque to a single wheel if the system detects the other wheels have zero traction.
And since the Australian Outback receives a surprising amount of rainfall, especially in the hot summer months, the Ford Everest’s maximum ground clearance of 225mm (8.85 inches) and maximum water wading depth of 800mm (31.5 inches) will get you home safely even in the presence of deep floods.
2. Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder features a 270 horsepower V6. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is available in 2WD and 4WD. It’s a known fact you don’t need the complexity and added weight of a four-wheel drivetrain to appreciate the splendor of the Australian Outback, but it certainly helps when faced with slippery and inhospitable terrain.
The base Pathfinder ST 2WD comes with a 3.5-liter, 270 horsepower petrol V6 connected to an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT. The Pathfinder ST 4WD comes with an intelligent 4×4 system with hill descent control to offer more grip and traction when you need it. Both models are equipped with seven adult-sized seats, Tri-Zone climate control, and Bluetooth connectivity so you can listen to AC/DC or Crowded House as you toddle along in the desert.
3. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has an optional locking rear differential. Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Depending on where you live, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is also called the Montero Sport in some parts of the world. This vehicle comes well-equipped so you can head-butt Mother Nature into submission. This SUV comes with a 2.4-liter diesel motor equipped with MIVEC variable valve timing to maximize power and torque output. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic; the Super Select II 4WD system offers excellent traction on any type of terrain.
The base GLX trim only comes with seating for five but upgrading to the GLS trim will give you seven seats and a rear differential lock for added off-road toughness. Perhaps the only caveat with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport are the unusual and polarizing rear taillights. They span from the top of the rear bumper all the way above the rear windshield.
4. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Toyota Safety Sense package is also beneficial for city driving. Photo: Toyota Australia.
The Land Cruiser name is associated with toughness, durability, and all-terrain capability. The base model Toyota Land Cruiser Prado GX is motivated by a 2.8-liter turbo diesel mill connected to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive standard is across the range along with 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and the Toyota Safety Sense package.
It also comes with a 150-liter fuel tank that is composed of an 87-liter main tank and 63-liter sub tank so you can spend more time exploring the Australian Outback and less time filling up.
5. Subaru Outback
Subaru is known for their symmetrical all-wheel drive technology. Photo: Subaru (Aust) Pty Ltd.
What better way to discover the wild Outback than with the umm . . . Subaru Outback? First things first: this vehicle is not an SUV. It is a family station wagon based on the Subaru Legacy. But unlike ordinary SUVs, the Subaru Outback offers a bit more refinement along with the driving characteristics of a normal saloon. Sadly, Subaru’s outstanding symmetrical all-wheel drive system is only offered in the automatic versions (Lineartronic CVT) of the Outback.
The base model receives a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder petrol engine that is good for 172 horsepower. The Subaru Outback 3.6R is motivated by a larger 3.6-liter Boxer six-cylinder motor that churns out 256 horsepower. Despite the car-like stance, this vehicle can effectively tow 1500kg (3,306 lbs.) while the 3.6-liter model can tow up to 1800kg (3,968 lbs.).
Conclusion
We specifically chose these five SUVs not only for their ability to survive the Australian Outback, but simply because they are stellar, go-anywhere vehicles that offer elevated levels of comfort and room for the entire family.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. 



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General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors continues to invest in their American facilities, committing most recently to a new supplier park at the Arlington Assembly Plant in Arlington, Texas. The new supplier park will have two industrial manufacturing and warehouse buildings comprising more than 1.2 million square feet. The forthcoming park will support future vehicle production, house over 1,200 employees, and bring in more than 850 new jobs to the community. GM estimates nearly 600 of the new manufacturing and professional jobs created will replace work previously done outside the United States.
Nationwide Initiatives
This most recent move by GM comes on the heels of the already 7,000 jobs and $1 billion in U.S. investments the automaker committed to earlier this year. So far, GM has committed $14 million to Cruise Automation for a new research and development facility in San Francisco, California. The investment will allow Cruise Automation to further develop a range of automated technologies while providing an additional 1,100 jobs. In March, the automaker announced a further commitment to their Michigan facilities – Romulus Powertrain Plant, Flint Assembly Plant, and Lansing Delta Township – by adding or retaining approximately 900 jobs at these locations during the next 12 months.
Like California and Michigan, Texas is now expected to see the benefits.
“General Motors has been a part of the American Dream in Arlington from the beginning,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “In fact, the opening of the assembly plant in Arlington in 1954 was one of the key ignitors of our city’s incredible population and economic growth.”
GM currently employs over 4,000 people at Arlington Assembly where the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade are manufactured.
“And now, more than 60 years later, GM continues to be a critical foundation of Arlington’s economy,” Mayor Williams explained. “I am pleased the City Council has once again successfully worked with General Motors, this time to revitalize and redevelop an area that was a deteriorating shopping center and turn it into a vibrant manufacturing site.”
Arlington Automotive Logistics Center. Photo: General Motors.

New Beginnings
International Automotive Components (IAC) Group, a multi-year GM Supplier of the Year recipient, is one of the first to move in. The company intends on setting up shop in the forthcoming Arlington Automotive Logistics Center.
“We are excited to establish this new Arlington location as one of our flagship manufacturing operations among IAC’s 22 other U.S. plants,” said Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, IAC. “IAC’s role as a supplier of vehicle interiors to GM extends back almost a century and this impressive new center marks a great beginning to our next century in partnership with this customer.”
Effective Strategies
GM’s notion behind supplier parks is that it makes everyday business run more effectively. With suppliers located near manufacturing facilities, transportation costs drop, communication is stronger, and more opportunities for quality control can be accessed. Currently, supplier parks for Northpoint exist at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas, Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri, Bowling Green Assembly in Kentucky, and Fort Wayne Assembly Plant in Indiana.
“Through strong supplier and community relations, we’re able create new supplier parks to generate significant benefits to our manufacturing operations and the communities in which we operate,” said Steve Kiefer, GM Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “This new supplier park will create improved logistics efficiency and coordination, while also bringing significant employment opportunities to Arlington.”
“This action will have an impact on our community for generations to come and further solidify the partnership between Arlington and General Motors,” added Mayor Williams.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: General Motors.



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Hyundai Kona: The SUV For City Folk

Hyundai Kona: The SUV For City Folk

Well, at least Hyundai is up front about what their new Kona SUV is built for. Right there in the title of their press release, the thing reads: “Kona: World Premiere Of An Urban SUV For Active Lifestyles.” Far too many SUVs are pitched with this farcical idea that you’re going to be driving your brand new Range Rover or Cadillac XT5 across the Darién Gap on a daily basis to pick up Atticus and Alistair from lacrosse practice.
So points to Hyundai for at least being honest and up front about what the Kona is going to be used for.
Platforms, Engines & Suspension
Hyundai’s Kona jumps into the company’s lineup along side the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Sport as the Koreans continue to pursue a wider customer base, and deliver SUVs with leading edge designs, lots of interior refinement, and cargo room. This all seems to fit in with Hyundai’s implicit corporate ethos of, “buy one of our rides, it’s stylish, dependable, and a good value for the money. When you’re done with it in five years, trade it in, and we’ll sell you another stylish ride.” Hyundai knows none of their vehicles will be showing up on the 18th green at Pebble Beach in the future, and they seem okay with that fate.
The Kona rides on an all-new compact SUV platform, with an optimized powertrain layout and four-wheel drive. The new Kona is offered with a surprising range of gasoline and diesel engines too. There is a 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson cycle engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the company’s Gamma 1.6 T-GDI diesel plant mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and Hyundai’s downsized 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three­-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual. There is an available small displacement diesel engine for European markets too.
The front suspension is via McPherson struts, with best-in-class tire trace to enhance comfort and reduce NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). 2WD and 4WD models of the Kona get completely different rear suspension systems as one would expect. The 2WD set­up gets a high-stiffness torsion beam affair for greater stability and control, while the 4WD models feature a dual-arm multi­link system to improve overall driving dynamics on all surfaces.
Hyundai is the only manufacturer to make its own steel to produce its vehicles globally, providing great benefits for the Kona. The lightweight body frame has been developed with 51.8% advanced high-strength steel to deliver greater safety for customers. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
Exclusive Treatments
The Kona’s exterior styling includes “composite lamps” with slim daytime running lights that incorporate turn signals separate from the LED headlights. The Kona keeps up the new family identity styling cues, like the cascading grille with the mesh pattern and the wing-type fenders that dominate the front design. Finally, Hyundai says the front is “powerful” and that “its armor shows its readiness for extreme activities.” This elicited a groan from me that I care not to expand on at this time.
The exterior also features lots of this black, I dunno, cladding I suppose. Hyundai refers to it, repeatedly, as contrasting “armor” (which is horrible) and notes that it provides a protective skin while connecting the front to the rear visually. Whatever. The slim brake lights, turn indicators, and reverse lamps surrounded by the “protective skin” begin at the C­ pillar. The roof is finished in a two tone color scheme as well.
The interior of the Kona aims to be sleek and simple, centered around the audio, visual, and nav monitor. The mechanical air vents and button arrangement go for high-tech functionality and the HVAC controls are surrounded by soft, fluid details that contribute to a “sensuous experience” and “enhance the comfort-focused environment.” A-hemm okay? The rear seats fold flat for a two-level load floor for easy access for a bicycle or golf clubs.
“Hyundai Motor sets out to care for its customers in all of its activities,” reads a recent press release from the automaker. “The new model showcases Hyundai Motor’s capabilities and commitment to enhancing the safety of drivers, passengers, and fellow road-users.” Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.


Safety & Security
The Kona’s active safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist to detect an imminent collision and minimize damage by braking autonomously. There is also Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning (humorously labeled as DAW, as in “DAW! Wake up stupid, you’re about to crash!!”). Blind-Spot Collision Warning? Yup. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning? Yup, the Kona’s got that too.
Island Antics
Hyundai also points out the Kona is named after that chunk of The Big Island now littered with tourist hotels and stuff like that. As a former resident of those blessed islands, I was going to go into a rant about how you should visit, spend lots of money, and then leave, because . . . well, I’m not going to go into it, because those of you that are cool enough already know what I’m going to say, and those of you who aren’t probably wouldn’t understand anyway.
The Kona, the SUV that is, is probably a pretty solid ride, and will serve your needs quite well for half a decade or so. The Kona will go on sale in Korea later this month, followed by North America and Europe. Enjoy.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Hyundai Kona Gallery








Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.



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Honda Hits Doubleheader With 2019 Pilot, HR-V Updates

Honda Hits Doubleheader With 2019 Pilot, HR-V Updates Honda has put a doubleheader in play here, with updates for 2019 coming for both the Pilot and the HR-V utes. Yes, I said “utes.” Anyway, the broad brushstrokes are the Pilot gets a more aggressive styling redo, the HR-V gets two new trims levels, and now all Hondas will get the Honda Sensing package of safety tech.
So let’s dive right in with the 2019 Honda Pilot.
Transmission & Entertainment
For those new to this sphere, the Pilot is Honda’s big SUV (or as big as they’re currently making). While still keeping the seating capacity at a healthy eight people, the 2019 Pilot brings quite the list of upgrades to the Pilot. The first thing you’ll notice is the more aggressive exterior styling, but this is not just a mid-cycle styling refresh, oh no.
Also to be found on the 2019 Pilot is a new, hands-free power tailgate and significant refinements to the beast’s nine-speed automatic (but that trick transmission is found only in the Touring and Elite trims).
4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi is now along for the ride and so is the larger rear entertainment system with Blu-Ray and streaming video capability. Given that 99.9 percent of the rides with the Honda Pilot will be family trips, having in-car net access and a rear entertainment system will probably be heaven sent to you over-worked, under-slept parents.
2019 Honda Pilot. Photo: Honda North America.
Pilot Chat
You parents of the less-than-saintly disposition will be happy to know that Honda’s innovative CabinTalk in-car PA system is also standard. My tendency would be to use it for saying “Uh, this is your captain speaking. We’re at our cruising altitude of, uh, four feet, and we will be arriving at our destination – uncle Merle and Aunt Vernie’s – at about 4:30.”
Or . . .
“ALRIGHT JUNIOR!! IF I HAVE TO GET ON THE HORN ONE MORE TIME I SWEAR ON YOUR MOTHER’S GRAVE I WILL PULL THIS HUGE HONDA PILOT OVER YOUNG MAN!!! DO NOT TEST ME MISTER!!!!!”
2019 Honda Pilot interior. Photo: Honda North America.
Connectivity & Safety
It seems all the “infotainment” stuff can be controlled via a smartphone-enabled CabinControl app. You can also adjust things with a new Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built right in. And the system is slick enough to behave like your smartphone and get over-the-air updates, which sounds pretty cool.
Yes, the 2019 Pilot will come with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive gizmos as standard on all grades. Nice. In other words, Honda is really serious about it. They plan to make it standard equipment on all models and trims within the next four years
The refreshed 2019 Pilot will be available starting on July 16th.
2019 HR-V interior. Photo: Honda North America.
Honda HR-V
Now, about that 2019 Honda HR-V. The five-door subcompact SUV looks to expand its appeal with the addition of new Sport and Touring trims, along with refreshed styling and new tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HR-V also gets a more refined Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) while a Real Time all-wheel drive system is available.
The new HR-V also gets additional sound deadening here and there, and the cherry on top is the new addition of variable-ratio electric power steering, making for easier parking lot maneuvers and such.
And yes, the 2019 HR-V also comes with the Honda Sensing package for the first time. Honda Sensing comes standard on EX and higher, but is optional down there in the lower grades as well. Expect to see the refreshed HR-V at dealerships on July 24.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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The Ford F-150 base engine gets an upgrade

The Ford F-150 base engine gets an upgrade Also, the off-road Expedition FX4 gains (ironic) running boards. The Ford F-150 gets dual injection.

Sharing numerous parts with the Ford Expedition, the Ford F-150 now comes with five gas engine choices, with a diesel option less than a year away. A 400 hp version of the V6 is available for the Expedition Platinum. The High Output 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 in the Ford F-150 Raptor remains at 450 hp and 510 ft-lbs of torque.Both trucks share the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6, which will continue to churn out 375 hp and 470 ft-lbs of torque. This option will be fitted to the XL, XLT, and FX4 (a new off-road package for the XLT) variants of the 4th-generation Expedition. Speaking of which, the Expedition FX4 comes with supplemental readouts for steering angle, power distribution, and tilt.












The F-150’s base engine gets a boost in power and engine technology
The similarities end there: the 2018 F-150’s base engine will be a 3.3 liter V6 gets a modest bump in power over the old unit, but also gets a dual-injection system. Low to moderate power demands will be handled by a traditional port fuel injection system while high demands will be primarily handled by direct injection. Ford alleges that this powertrain will be segment exclusive when it comes coupled with a new 10-speed automatic next year. Dual injection technology itself isn’t new, but automakers have been relatively slow to adopt it for volume sellers until now. What is the purpose of this reorganization? Fuel economy and therefore decreased fleet emissions across the board. For more information, check out the press release.
-By: Sawyer Sutton
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Rendered: A tuned Volkswagen Arteon

Rendered: A tuned Volkswagen Arteon The Volkswagen Arteon isn’t out yet, and the renders are flying
VW’s march towards Audi seems to have skipped a few steps—without any enhancements from the tuning community. This hasn’t that hasn’t stopped folks such as Zoki Nanko from fleshing out their hopes and dreams on the web. VW’s flagship sedan is rendered up with wheel/wheel well turning tolerances that would be at home on a freight locomotive. Color, wheel, and aero choices are subjective, but renders can bring attention to overlooked OEM design elements.
Look at the cantilevered hood over the headlamps—that overhang looks prime for getting clogged with the odd goldfinch or hoary bat. Aerodynamics will prevent this most of the time, but it certainly appears that gap in the fascia may present a collection point for foreign objects or ice at the wrong speed. While we’re picking out stock design elements, let’s also consider the heavy indentations at the bottom of the doors. In all, the original Arteon’s exterior styling seems to elevate the platform in ways that the CC did not. The Volkswagen Arteon has grown significantly in size compared to the Passat CC and will come standard with Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch automated manual.
Globally, the Volkswagen Arteon is offered with 6 different engines—ranging from 148-276 horsepower–and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive is standard. If the Areton picks up where the CC left off weight-wise, (the CC finished its run around 3,400 lbs), some tuning likely is in order, given that the car starts comfortably under $40,000. It seems unlikely that VW would give the car a significant power and handling upgrade, potentially taking sales away from Audi.
– By: Sawyer Sutton
Source: Carscoops
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Letter From The UK: Born On The Back Seat

Letter From The UK: Born On The Back Seat Some people sing of being born on the 4th of July; others wax lyrical about being born with a smile on their face whilst some poor benighted souls were born under a bad sign.
If however, you were born on the back seat of a beaten-up Mk1 British-built Ford Mondeo you’ll probably want to keep it to yourself.
Shaping Your Future
This sort of happenstance of birth can shape a person. It can dictate your life. With your father laboring under the name of Mondeo Man because of his life on the business car highway, imagine spending your days forever known as “Mondeo Boy.” Being conceived on the back seat of a car is one thing, but to greet the world smelling of stale sweat and burgers is quite another.
Now, if an infant is born on the back seat of a Maserati Quattroporte somewhere along the Italian Amalfi Coast with a nice view of the Isle of Capri in the azure distance, then he or she will undoubtedly be a golden child destined for great things; especially if the father’s name is Berlusconi. If however the poor unfortunate is born on the flat bed of an ancient El Camino pickup truck near a trailer park in Utah, life could be a whole lot different.

How To Enter The World
So, if an unborn person is to be given a choice of which vehicle to be born in, what should they choose? Obviously, if it is a Mercedes they will be German, probably successful, but not all that good at soccer and so on. If it’s a Toyota, then the kid will be industrious and polite and if it’s a Fiat, then the poor unfortunate will be forced by law to wear Armani and always be incapable of forming a stable government.
Any couples planning on having a family probably shouldn’t buy a Dodge Dart Swinger. You’ll meet a lot of interesting and possibly unusual people no doubt, but are they really suitable?
There’s a true UK story of a child born in a Volkswagen outside of a grocery supermarket. Thankfully there were many people about to help but only after they had exhausted the batteries on their mobile phones and posted the happy event on YouTube.
Years on and the Mother still doesn’t want to talk about it. Young Jetta is none to keen on discussing it either.

Other Tales of UK Births
In Scotland, here in Great Britain, the first view a baby got of the world was of the foot well of the front passenger seat. His Dad wasn’t exactly overjoyed because they were so, so near to the maternity hospital and he’d only just cleaned the carpet. One enterprising UK Dad managed to film his wife giving birth on the back seat. He was driving at the time. Also, there is a little girl who appeared at a set of traffic signals. They called her Amber, naturally.
Births in cars happen more often than you think.
So if you’re considering buying an used car the chances are a baby got there before you. That’s a thought. Can the back seats of cars induce fertility? Now that really is a worry. Think about that next time the children ask to borrow the car.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite




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New Study Reveals The Most Dangerous Times To Drive

New Study Reveals The Most Dangerous Times To Drive When we hop in our cars and go about our day, we are likely thinking about everything we need to get done. There is the stress from work and impending deadlines; there is that often endless list of tasks we keep playing over and over again in our heads. We can, at times, be focused on everything but driving. The very act of driving can become monotonous over time, but that’s proving to be a dangerous thing.
By The Numbers
A new study from Avvo examined data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2016 to see how many crash-related fatalities happened across the United States. Depending on the time of day, month, and location, the data shows we are exposed to varying levels of risk during our travels.
“We were surprised to see car crash deaths are over 85 percent higher during the after work rush hour between 4:00 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. than they are during the morning rush hour between 7:00 a.m. and 9:59 a.m.,” explained Jeremy Reitman, Avvo’s Vice President of Organic Marketing.
“There could be a number of explanations why the majority of crashes occur during this time period,” said Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “When people all leave work around the same time, it leads to a large volume of traffic on the roadways and severe traffic congestion. Combine that with people in a hurry to get home, frustration, distracted driving, and impaired driving, and it is a recipe for traffic crashes to occur.”
The most dangerous times to drive are the late afternoon and early evening: 6,201 accidents occurred between 4:00 p.m. and 6:59 p.m., followed by 6,067 between 7:00 p.m. and 9:59 p.m. By contrast, the fewest fatalities (3,345) occurred during the morning hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:59 a.m.
“It’s interesting to see this difference in our commutes and points to a driver’s state of mind after work,” Reitman said.

Weekend Worry
Weekends pose their own inherent risk with Saturday standing out in particular. Avvo’s study found that nearly 7,000 fatalities occurred on Saturdays in 2016, with Friday not far behind at 5,826 fatalities. The figures show the most dangerous time to travel is Saturday night after 10 p.m., but that risk extends into the early morning hours of Sunday, with 1:00 a.m. to 3:59 a.m. being equally as risky.
“The increase in fatalities on the weekends could be due to many different reasons,” Reitman said. “Our data doesn’t explore this specifically, but we can see various trends across the country where more drivers are on the roads during the weekends and also more careless and potentially reckless during this time.”
“Weekends are also a time where people have a tendency to drink alcohol and ingest controlled substances,” Flegel added. “This ultimately leads to extremely dangerous driving decisions and behavior.”
State to State
Some states fared worse than others with Mississippi being among the top five deadliest states on all seven days of the week. The absolute highest incidence of fatal accidents occurred on Saturdays in Mississippi, accounting for 4.3 crash fatalities per 100,000 residents, followed closely by Montana at 4.2.
“This could be because, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, only 78 percent of Mississippi drivers wear their seat belts compared to the national seat belt usage of 90 percent,” Reitman said.
Meanwhile, on days that had generally fewer road accidents, the safest states regularly clocked in below one fatality per 100,000 residents: On Mondays, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts were tied for the safest at 0.6. On Fridays, Rhode Island represented the lowest number of the entire data set at 0.4.
Here at home, the Michigan State Police conduct several traffic safety initiatives throughout the year based on statistical data. Each post of the department is responsible for conducting these initiatives in their immediate area, which often focus on high density traffic crash locations. The Michigan State Police also participate in several other traffic safety campaigns including the Six State Trooper Project, Click It or Ticket, and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“In 1977, the Michigan State Police and Indiana State Police were the founding agencies for Operation C.A.R.E. – Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts,” Flegel said. “The C.A.R.E. project was designed to reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities through public information, education, and strict consistent traffic enforcement.”

Daily Driving
It’s important to understand – as best we can – how traffic generally flows during high volume times. Flegel notes that in heavy, stop-and-go traffic where cars are constantly merging, there is an increased risk for accidents. The difference between a collision and getting home safely might be an adjustment in our driving style – from offensive to defensive.
“Leave yourself an out,” Flegel explained. “Give sufficient space and distance between you and the traffic around you to give yourself time and distance to stop to avoid a crash.”
“Reckless and distracted driving, whether it be drowsy driving, or texting, or engaging in road rage, can be met with grave consequences – for you and for those you share the road with,” Reitman said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 deaths in 2016. Distracted driving was also the cause of the nearly 400,000 reported injuries during that same period.
“It takes on average 4.6 seconds to send a text message,” Flegel said. “At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.”
It is best to respond to texts or e-mails prior to driving.
Future Considerations
While Avvo’s study gives us some insight, it’s important to remember there is a certain level of risk each time we take the wheel – even during the times when crashes are statistically low. Perhaps the best takeaway from Avvo’s study is avoiding anything that would deliberately endanger yourself or others.
“First and foremost, seat belts save lives,” Flegel said. “If more drivers and passengers took that extra few seconds to put on their seat belts, it would drastically reduce the number of crash fatalities, not only in Michigan, but across the United States.”
“You can’t control other drivers, but under most circumstances, you can control your vehicle,” Reitman added. “We should all drive responsibly and stay alert when on the road.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Safety Tips From The Michigan State Police
Drive defensively.
Limit distractions inside the vehicle.
Obey all traffic laws and posted signs.
Wear your seat belt each and every time.
Be aware of your surroundings while driving.
Never operate a vehicle impaired on alcohol or drugs.
If your day involves alcohol, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.



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Recall: over 32,000 copies of the Toyota Tacoma

Recall: over 32,000 copies of the Toyota Tacoma Toyota Tacoma recall will replace potentially faulty crankshaft timing sensors.

The Toyota Tacoma is being recalled for issues with the crankshaft timing rotor. During the manufacturing process a number of Tacomas received crankshaft timing rotors with excessive anti-corrosion coating. Toyota is contacting owners of affected ‘Tacos. In a news release, the company stated that failure of the timing rotor could cause rough running, misfiring, or stalling—the latter of which could increase the risk of a crash due to a lack of power steering, brakes, and other ancillary systems while the engine is shut off. Owners will start receiving notifications starting in mid-July.
The recall affects a batch of 2017 and 2016 9th-generation examples of Toyota’s famed compact truck fitted with the optional 3.5 liter 278-horsepower V6 engine.












PLANO, Texas, June 1, 2017 – Toyota Motor North America, Inc., announced that it is conducting a safety recall of certain Model Year 2016 and 2017 V6 engine Toyota Tacoma vehicles in the U.S. Approximately 32,000 vehicles are involved.
The V6 engine crankshaft timing rotor in the involved vehicles may have been produced with excessive anti-corrosion coating.  This could cause the crank position sensor to malfunction.  If this occurs, the vehicle may display a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), run roughly, misfire, or in some instances, stall.  A stalling condition while driving at higher speeds may increase the risk of a crash.
For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the crank position sensors with new ones of an improved design at no cost to customers.  All known owners of the involved vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail starting in mid-July.
Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin.  For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.
– By: Sawyer Sutton
The post Recall: over 32,000 copies of the Toyota Tacoma appeared first on egmCarTech.



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